Yaro: Village History and Traditions

Yaro on Malolo is considered a local chiefly village. During visits, you meet local residents and learn about the history of the surrounding area, the island and the village. For travellers interested in the cultural context of a place, discovery begins here with a meeting and a story that reaches beyond the village’s present-day location.

Village History and Cultural Traditions

The original village of Yaro was in Likuliku about two centuries ago, before it was moved to its present location. Yaro’s history therefore also reaches back to its former site. Before Christianisation, the special Bete priest clan from Yaro village made traditional offerings to the sea gods at certain points in the lunar calendar, including kava roots and produce from the land. A report from November 2023 noted that the final traditional installation of the chief of Lawa continued in Yaro village on the last day. The Mataqali Ketenamasi from Yaro village on Malolo are the traditional landowners of the Likuliku Lagoon.

Village Encounters

On a previous visit, activities included visits to plantations and open conversations with village elders. These different encounters bring the cultural focus to life and set it apart from the nature and walking destinations in the surrounding area. The boat trip from the resort to Yaro takes about 15 minutes. Wear a sulu or sarong when visiting the village; short dresses, swimwear and shorts are not permitted.

Island Nature in the Surrounding Area

Nearby is Mociu Island, part of the Mamanuca Islands. Tropical bushland and trees characterise the island, and a white sand beach lies on its eastern side. Mociu can be reached by boat or seaplane. The island is a protected nature reserve, and the surrounding waters and reef have been designated a marine “na tabu” area. In the past, Mociu Island was also used for tourism, including visits by nearby island resorts for snorkelling and swimming.

Malolo Island is surrounded by a protected, coastal coral reef that is home to a diverse range of marine life. Fishing is strictly prohibited in the marine protected area immediately around Malolo. Mociu and Malolo thus represent different aspects of island nature: Mociu with its eastern beach and designated protected areas, and Malolo with its protected reef and fishing ban.

Walks and Historic Sites

The resort lists Jona’s Lookout, the Ridge Track to Naroba Point and the Mangrove Walk as walking routes. On Malolo Island, the path to the summit of Mount Uluisilo leads to a former American fort from the Second World War. Near Likuliku, Na Vatu Tagi, also known as Crying Rock, is a well-known tourist attraction. The rock is considered a kind of checkpoint for the former village of Yaro. The historical connections are distinct: the path to Mount Uluisilo leads to a Second World War fort, while Na Vatu Tagi is connected to the history of former Yaro.

Find a Holiday Rental Based on Your Travel Interests

When searching for a holiday rental, it helps to have a clear idea of the itinerary you want: should a visit to Yaro village be the main focus, or would you also like to include the named walking routes and island destinations in the surrounding area? Base your choice of location on this distinction and on which experiences matter to your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Matayalevu, Nalauwaki, Viwa, Malevu, Nabila, Vomo, Viseisei, Nanuya Balavu Island.

Return to the main travel overview: Western Division.